Afikpo man wearing okpu ngwo raffia hat, Mgbom village, Afikpo Village-Group, Nigeria.
"Tom Ibe, my field assistant wearing okpu ngwo (hat-raffia). Diviners (dibia) use it when carrying sacred objects for swearing an oath somewhere, but anyone can do so when it rains. Ancient hat form rarely seen nowadays. Note that it was used in Afikpo Yam…
A boy about to undergo the Dibia initiation in Ohafia-Igbo.
In the Ohafia-Igbo community of southeastern Nigeria, the initiation of a dibia (diviner or spiritual healer) is a revered process steeped in symbolism, mysticism, and spiritual awakening. This rite transforms a young initiate, often a boy or adolescent, marking his journey from ordinary life to a…
Nwaokoye Odinigbo, isi Nze of Uruoji, consecrating elephant tusk for four Ozo men who are taking the okike title
Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and…
Yam barn, Onitsha Province, Eastern Region, Nigeria, 1967, Photographed by Drs. G.W. Grootenhuis
Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance
Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans.
Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity.
Iri Iji is typically celebrated…
An Igbo Dibia, Basden, G. T. Among the Ibos of Nigeria, 1921
Odinani
Odinani is the traditional spiritual practice and religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a complex and multifaceted system that encompasses various aspects of Igbo culture, including:
- Belief in a supreme being (Chukwu)
- Reverence for ancestors and spirits…